The Dallas Cowboys sent shockwaves through the NFL offseason with their blockbuster trade for star wide receiver George Pickens from the Pittsburgh Steelers. This move immediately elevated Dak Prescott’s receiving corps, pairing Pickens with the formidable CeeDee Lamb. While the excitement is palpable, it has also sparked a crucial question: What does this mean for Jalen Tolbert, the team’s 2024 starting WR2? Could a key piece of last season’s offense suddenly become an “expendable” trade candidate?
The acquisition of George Pickens undeniably transforms the Cowboys’ offensive landscape. With Lamb and Pickens now forming one of the league’s most potent receiver duos, the depth chart at wide receiver has shifted dramatically. Jalen Tolbert, who admirably stepped into the WR2 role last season, recording 49 catches for 610 yards and seven touchdowns, now finds himself in a new position. While he would certainly thrive as a WR3, creating mismatches for opposing defenses, the Cowboys’ newfound flexibility at the position opens up intriguing possibilities.
Bleacher Report’s Gary Davenport was quick to highlight this, naming Tolbert as a player Dallas “should consider trading before the 2025 season.” Davenport points out that while the Cowboys aren’t exactly overflowing with depth at wide receiver, the arrival of Pickens makes Tolbert one of the more “expendable” assets. This isn’t a knock on Tolbert’s talent, but rather a strategic assessment of roster optimization.
Furthermore, the Cowboys have other offensive weapons they might want to feature more prominently. Speedster KaVontae Turpin, often dubbed the Cowboys’ “Swiss Army knife,” could see an increased role in 2025. Giving Turpin more touches would add another dimension to the offense, and Tolbert’s potential trade value could provide the necessary cap space or draft capital to facilitate this.
Tolbert is currently in the final year of his rookie deal, making him an attractive target for receiver-needy teams looking for a reliable pass-catcher with starting experience. His proven ability to produce as a WR2/3, coupled with his impending contract situation, could make him an intriguing trade chip. For the Cowboys, receiving draft picks for Tolbert would be a strategic win, allowing them to bolster their future assets without significantly compromising their immediate offensive firepower, given the presence of Lamb and Pickens.
The Dallas Cowboys are clearly aiming for a Super Bowl push, and the George Pickens trade is a testament to that ambition. However, every major move comes with ripple effects. The discussion around Jalen Tolbert’s “expendable” status highlights the ruthless nature of NFL roster management. While Tolbert proved his value last season, the opportunity to gain draft capital for a player who might now be a luxury, especially with Turpin’s potential increased role, is a decision the Cowboys’ front office must seriously consider. This offseason, expect the Cowboys to continue making headlines, as they fine-tune their roster in pursuit of ultimate glory, even if it means saying goodbye to a 2024 starter.